Audri
I looked at myself in the mirror as I finished getting dressed to go meet L.Y.F.E at their hotel. I wore a long sleeve bodysuit, with a gray skirt that was designed like a corset in the front, although it was stretchy material and wasn't tight, it hugged my hips and backside appropriately. I also wore white sneakers with them. I had taken my hair out of the bun it was in and let it run down my back like a waterfall. Some waves had formed from it being in the bun for so long giving it a natural style. I also did my makeup, with a gentle contour and eyeshadow. I also wore a red lip because I thought it complimented my skin, but also made my outfit pop. I took a couple of pictures, then grabbed my purse and walked out of my room.
"Ready?" Ashley asked. She wore an off-shoulder crop top and high waisted jeans with converse. She wore light makeup as well. Her hair was wavy and was pushed out her face with sunglasses.
"Yes ma'am." I said with a smile. Rachel came out in a red crop top and dark washed jeans. She wore sneakers as well. Her fro was curly and fluffed.
"Ready." She smiled and walked over to us. "Haruhi said she'll meet us at the car." She voiced looking up from her phone.
"Ok," I said with a smile.
"Are you excited?" Ashley asked as we walked out of our dorm, into the hallway.
"Yes, but," I sighed as I locked our door. We turned to walk to the elevator. "I'm just worried."
"Girl, why?" Rachel raised a brow.
"Because I'm nervous that I'm too different in person. Over the phone, we're two different people, and in person, we're completely two different people. I mean, look at how Fred performed for us. He was perfect. How can I lead up with that? He's used to the life of glamour. I'm just some girl from Texas." I groaned leaning on the wall of the elevator. I felt terrible for feeling this way, but I couldn't help it. "Plus, he barely talked to me." We got off the elevator and headed outside to walk to my car. I could see Haruhi, wearing black heels, a floral umbrella skirt, and a loose-fitting shirt as she stood next to it.
"Well, there were also other people around. If you guys are trying to keep this forbidden relationship a secret, it's best that he acts this way when everyone is around. If in private he asks the same...well, I don't know what to tell you." Rachel said like the fortune cookie she was. Like always, I felt silly for the feelings that emerged from my being.
"Hi." Haruhi grinned at us. "I'm so excited! Why didn't y'all dress up? It would have been cute if we all wore heels." She pouted slightly.
"Sometimes Haruhi, I just want to stuff a sock in your mouth." Ashley said seriously.
"Ashley, c'mon dude." Rachel mumbled as she got in the back seat with Haruhi when I unlocked my car.
"I'm just being honest."
"You know, there is a difference between being mean, honest and just plain nice. I didn't say anything mean." Haruhi crossed her arms.
"Not mean, just stupid." Ashley glared at Haruhi.
"Says the blonde!" Haruhi snapped loudly as she slammed my car door. Ashley gasped and turned in her seat. Before she could say anything, I turned to the two, feeling my irritation rising.
"Shut up! I will kick you both out of my car if you don't. Nobody wants your negative attitudes ok? We get it, you two don't like each other. That is fine. But please for the love of God, please don't act this way when we get to the hotel. We are the Board of the K-pop Club. We are supposed to be a team, ok? So, shut up, turn around, and relax." I said with a glare pointed at the two. They blinked at me, before they got comfortable in my car. Ashley turned in her seat to cross her arms.
"Audrey, I hate that when you're pissed you look hot." She looked at me. I rolled my eyes and turned on my car.
"Shut up."
______
When we arrived at the hotel, The Ange, we couldn't help but to walk up to it in shock. It was one of the most luxurious and boujee hotels in Dallas. The only thing I knew about it was that it was apparently French for angel. The hotel was downtown next to all the other skyscrapers. The building was pure white and went up at least 30 stories with a penthouse at the tippy top. The doorman opened the door for us with a polite smile. As soon as we walked in, we were taken to a different world. Everything was so regal and modern. Also, clean, it smelt like flowers. I was impressed and felt completely underdressed.
"Ashley." A voice said. We looked by the elevator and saw Young. He was against a wall, waving at us like a model. He straightened out as we walked closer to him, his blonde hair fell in his face slightly.
"He said my name," Ashley leaned to whisper to me. I giggle slightly as we approach the male. "Hey gorgeous. Ready to take me to your suite." She smirked as he blushed.
"Can we just exist without sexual innuendos?" Rachel asked with a chuckle. Ashley scoffed.
"Where is the fun in that?" She grabbed Young's hand, entwined their fingers, and leaned against his muscular arm. He looked at her from over his shoulder.
"Ready to go to my suite?" He asked, confidently, with slight flirtation in his voice. This time Ashley blushed, as her blue eyes looked at Young widely . I pressed my lips together, as Rachel laughed. Haruhi pressed the elevator button repeatedly with a shocked grin.
"I'm ready for anything." She suddenly purred back. She leaned against him, tapping his nose.
"Oh look, an elevator." Haruhi said as the door opened quietly.
"Thank the Lord." I stepped in with Haruhi. The two flirtatious people laughed at us and piled into the elevator after Rachel. Young, with his arm around Ashley, pressed the 13th floor.
"Oh wow, we're going to high up." Ashley said quietly.
"She's scared of heights, isn't she?" Rachel asked with a chuckle.
"It's about time she's scared of something. I don't think my heart could handle any more of her bravery." Haruhi mumbled with a shake of her head.
"What you should do is catch some of this bravery, then maybe you could get a man." Ashley challenged.
"You know Ashley, unlike you, I'm an adult. I don't need to insult you in order to feel better about myself." Haruhi flipped her hair. Ashley narrowed her eyes but stayed silent. I shook my head as the elevator door opened. We quickly escaped the tense elevator and followed Young to their room.
When the door opened, we were greeted by the sight of five men getting hyped. Fred stood in front of Kwan, who held a phone in a blue phone case, with fingers that showed the peace sign as he bounced to a beat King was giving him.
"What's up y'all, I hope you're having a ball, you know I'm in this new place, yeah, I'm in this new state. You know I'm chillin', making millions," Fred looked over as he spoke. "Let me tell you why I'm catchin' new feelin'" He walks over to us. "Coming in with the new tennis shoes," He kneeled and motioned to my shoes. "Walkin' in like she's my whole muse," He stood. "Comin' in, fresh and nice, Walkin' in here like she's my whole wife." He put an arm around me and kissed my cheek. My eyes widen as I look at him shocked. "I'm just playin', no I'm not. I'm just out here tryin' to change the plot. Change the game, change my fame, I'm just out here changin' my whole name!" He bent backward on his last line and shimmied his shoulders to the beat in his head. The guys cheered for him.
"I'm done." He makes a cut motion with his hands towards his neck. "That was horrible." He laughed at the girls and I laughed with him. That was completely unexpected, but I liked it. I wanted him to do more, but that thought was interrupted when he walked over and hugged me. I stare at him with shock as he helds me, like he would hold me when we were alone. I stared wide eyed at him.
"Everyone, this is Audrey. Everyone I'm taken, I have a girl. So back off." He said when he looked at the phone that was now in his hands then watched as my face morphed to mortification as he leaned down to kiss me. No way this is happening right now. What the f- "Just kidding." He finished and let go of me with a chuckle. He walked away slightly with the phone. I was left wide eyed, heart racing, and in pain from chewing roughly on my gum. But most of all I was slightly embarrassed. He just approved, then denied our whole relationship, in point five seconds. Then made a joke of it.
"What the fu-"
"Yo, whoa, whoa, missy, we don't use that language here." Kwan said as he sat on the bed looking at Young and Ashley, who was behind me still hand in hand. Young let Ashely's hand free instantly as I turned to look at the girls. They looked just as flabbergasted as I felt. So, I did what any other embarrassed person would do. I turned and walked out of the hotel room. I made it to the elevator before Fred rushed out of the room.
"What the- where are you going?"
"To my dorm." I stated simply. I didn't look at him, but I could see his hand run through his brown hair.
"Why? I thought we were getting dinner." He said.
"Not hungry." I replied and stepped into the elevator as it opened.
"Audrey. What is wrong?" He asked, obliviously, as he stood in the doorway of the elevator, so the door wouldn't close. I crossed my arms as I glared at him. He just stood there, looking stupid, as he stared at me. "I can't read your mind. I need you to talk to me." He said and took a step in, the door closed, and we started our descend.
"I didn't think it was funny," I said softly. "The joke was cruel, and I didn't like it one bit. How embarrassing is it to have your boyfriend hold you with such care in front of hundreds of people, just to have your relationship crushed and pushed aside like it's unwanted? If I'm not wanted, I'm not going to be here." My voice became louder and stronger as I gained the confidence to tell him how I felt. He blinked, shocked at my answer.
"Audrey…. I didn't mean for you to feel that way."
"Well, that's how I feel. I'm not here for a game. I don't play games, I don't talk to dudes. You're just another dude that I probably shouldn't be talking to." I crossed my arms as I look away.
"Audrey, I'm sorry, I didn't think that you'd take it to heart like that. I'll be better...and you should talk to me." He moved closer to me. "because I want to be your boyfriend, just like you want to be my girlfriend," He grabbed my hands and squeezed them gently. I looked up at him with a frown. "Unless you don't want to anymore because of my silly mistake." He looked into my eyes as I stared up at him. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or to belittle you. I was just having fun. I thought you'd laugh. I'm truly sorry." He said genuinely. I nodded at him. "Do you still want to be my girlfriend?" He asked. I blushed but was still giving him a serious face, I raised a brow and looked away. He smiled softly and kissed my cheek.
"Do you still want to be my girlfriend?" He asked again, then kissed my neck. I giggled slightly and moved away because it tickled. Fred smiled at me. Then held me close. This time, I hugged him gently. "Woman answer me. Audrey Cobbs, do you want to be my girlfriend?" He asked for the third and final time. I lifted my head from his strong chest to look up at him.
"Yes," I cupped his face. He looked down at me happily. "Yes, I want to be your girlfriend." I breathed, then attached my lips to his.
______
The time we got to spend with Un and the whole L.Y.F.E group was so much fun yesterday. They were such chill and wonderful people. Turns out, Un and Fred's parents know each other, which made things a bit easier for Fred to be accepted into UNE. His natural talent for rapping was also a plus for UNE. Un also had a wife and two children that were eight and 5 years old. He was a very kind person, and I had a new respect for him after lunch.
I was currently in my dorm room getting ready for the class that I had today. It was a history course that I had grown to love. The professor was nice, and it seemed like he actually cared about his students. Today I wore an off-shoulder crop top that was a gorgeous olive color, then dark washed high waisted jeans with some sandals. My hair was in a straight bun on top of my head.
I smile as I add the final piece to my makeup which was some lip gloss. I felt really pretty, it helped that Fred text me constantly telling me how beautiful I was. I sighed happily, as I wondered when he was going to arrive. He was supposed to be coming to the dorms to go with me to class. I had an hour to spare, so I had time to relax before I had to head out.
As I added a necklace around my neck, my phone started to ring. I looked and saw Fred's American phone number pop up. I quickly walked to it, so I could pick it up.
"Hello?" I asked with a smile playing on my lips.
"I'm here! Where do you want me to be dropped off?" He asked.
"Go to the North Dorms. We're towards the back. There should be signs pointing at it." I say, putting him on speakers. He started speaking quickly in Korean.
"Ok, I should be arriving soon. Come outside please." He said.
"Yes sir." I said before I hung up the phone. I sprayed some perfume, then opened my dorm. I look at Rachel and Haruhi as I pass Rachel's room.
"Fred is here, I'm gonna go get him." Rachel sat up, and Haruhi grinned.
"Wait, what is he doing here?" Haruhi asked as she stood to follow me out the room. I sigh very softly, then give her a fake smile.
"He's going to go to class with me." I replied, then looked at Rachel. She shrugged her shoulders as we all piled into the elevator.
"Oh, that's nice. I bet he'll like it here. I hope so." She smiled softly to herself. I look away from her. It was clear she had a crush on Fred. She probably had a crush on all of them, but just wanted one of them to notice her. "Do you think he'll eat lunch with me?" She asked, with a look of hope. I tensed and looked at Rachel with hopes she'd check her friend. Rachel looked at us awkwardly as she stares back at me not knowing what to do.
"Uh, you'd have to ask." Rachel smiled awkwardly, holding her hands behind her back. Haruhi smiled as I felt disappointed.
"I will. "She decided, with the look of determination.
When the elevator opened, we all walked out of the building as a black SUV appeared. Fred hopped out wearing dark washed jeans, a white shirt, and white and red Jordan's. He also had sunglasses in his hair. He grinned when he saw us walk over.
"Hi ladies." He greeted all of us happily. I smiled at him.
"Hello, Fred." We spoke at the same time. He chuckled, then looked at me. He grinned and put an arm around my shoulder.
"When do we leave for class? I'm ready to get my education." He said. I chuckled.
"In about 40 minutes," I responded.
"So, Fred, how is your day going?" Haruhi asked as we all walked towards the entrance of the dorms.
"Pretty good, I'm happy to perform for your club today. I hope everything goes well." He said politely, then even opened the door for us. I thank him and go to the elevator. I look back and see Haruhi walking with him. I look at them and feel a pang in my chest. They were both of some Asian descent. Fred already told me his parents, or at least his mom is more traditional. She would probably enjoy Haruhi as a daughter-in-law. Actually, she'd probably prefer it.
With a sigh, I walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor. Rachel stood next to me, then crossed her arms as she looked at Haruhi as the girl continued to talk.
"So, Fred, what made you go to Korea to become a rapper?" She asked. Fred looked at her curiously.
"Well, I don't really consider myself a rapper. If I was a rapper, then I'd just rap. I wouldn't be in a group or anything. I'm just a musical artist. But I went to Korea because my parents got a divorce, and my mom moved to Korea to be close to her Godmother, and I wanted to be with her. Then, I met Un at one of my mom's get-togethers and the rest is history." He said. I looked over as I listened to him. I suddenly had a question.
"So, since you're not a rapper, and instead of a musical artist, can you hold a note?" I asked, then bumped his hip with my own. I smiled up at him, his smile suddenly became different from the polite one he was using with Haruhi. It was like he suddenly came alive.
"Are you challenging me to a karaoke contest? Cause I'll win." He replied following us to our dorm.
"You probably would. If someone told me to sing, or I'll shoot you, I'd get shot. I can't sing for anything." I giggled.
"Maybe we should do karaoke, it would be fun." Haruhi said, to put herself in the conversation as well. Fred chuckled and looked around our dorm.
"Sweet, this is really nice. It's all homey and whatnot." He said looking at the picture frame of Chloe, Ashley, Rachel, and I that was hanging up. "Who is she? I've never met her." He said looking at Chloe.
"Her name is Chloe. She works and is taking double classes to graduate soon. She's hella smart." Rachel said.
"That's cool. What is her major?"
"Computer Science." I replied as I leaned on the island in our room that separated the living room from the kitchen. Fred looked around some more, noticing the four doors.
"That's cool that you guys have your own room. Audrey, which is yours?" He asked, his hazel eyes looked at me. I rest my chin in my hand.
"Which one do you think?" I asked playfully. He tapped his chin and pointed at Ashley's room. I raised my eyebrows, as Rachel giggled.
"Why that one?"
"Cause it's closer." He laughed. I roll my eyes with a smile.
"Wrong," I stood and walked over to my room that was on the outside wall of the building. He followed me. "This one is my room." I looked over my shoulder to look at him as I opened my door. The smell of "sweet pea" hit my nose, as we walked in. I watched him as he walked in looking around. He pointed at the poster of him, as I turned on my radio. The Weekends I Feel it Coming played, filling my room with the smooth sound of the male singing. I blushed at the words as I looked at Fred. His eyes were on me as well, burning into my body, making goosebumps rise on my sink.
"I love this song! I feel it coming babe, I feel it coming~" Haruhi came in as she sang along with The Weekend. I blinked, my spell was broken, and I was upset about it. I crossed my arms and glared at the girl slightly as she danced around my room. Fred stuffed his hands in his pockets, then looked at my iPad that was on my bed.
"You have games on here?" He asked his eyes beckoning me over when he looked back at me. I blushed and walked over to him. My arm brushes against his as I pull the tablet over to me. I looked up at him.
"Cover your eyes." The corner of his lips twitched.
"Hmm?"
"I can't put in my password with you watching." I answered his unasked question as if it was simple. I placed a hand on my hip. He playfully rolled his eyes.
"You don't trust me with your password?" He asked.
"I don't want you to look at my texts with my boyfriend." I teased. His brows rose.
"Oh? Are you sending him nudes?" He said cheekily, nudging me slightly. I scoffed and hit his shoulder mumbling he wished. He grinned at me.
"Close your eyes." I demand with a smile, I poke his belly. He sucked his tongue, then closed his eyes. I smirked and placed my thumb on the home button to unlock my iPad.
"Ok, done."
"All you did was place your thumb on the home button." He argued with an airy laugh.
"You cheat! You watched?" I asked.
"Well yeah, I wanted to know your password." He admitted. I shake my head and look behind me. Haruhi was in a slight pout as she swayed to Ed Sheeran's Perfect. Rachel peeked in, and I made a motion at Haruhi when Haruhi closed her eyes and sang "Baby, I'm dancing in the dark." Rachel gave me the thumbs up.
"Haruhi, can you come with me to the mailroom?" She asked. Haruhi looked over.
"I thought we were hanging out." Haruhi replied confused.
"I have a new album, I think, and I want to get it now so that way I won't have to worry about it before the festival. C'mon." Rachel grabbed her hand and pulled her. Haruhi looked back, and Fred turned to watch the girl be dragged out.
"Bye Fred! I'll see you later!" She said as Fred stood next to me as I leaned against the door. He waved as I closed the door. I placed both hands on the door as I started to feel the nerves in my stomach again. I bit my bottom lip. Fred and I were in a room alone together. For the first time, I think, ever. A blush crept upon my face as that realization hit me. I look over at him. He held the iPad in his hand, leaning against the bed, as he pretended to be interested in the game. But I watched him look up through his lashes to look at his hazel eyes. I paused as my brown eyes met his hazel ones. He lifted his head and smiled at me. Suddenly my nerves started to melt as I walked closer to him.
"Having fun?" I asked.
"I love to crush the candies." He replied softly. I giggled and reached up to take his sunglasses and run my fingers in his silky hair.
"Did you curl your hair this morning?" I asked curiously. He put the iPad down, and leaned down slightly.
"Nope, I got a perm." He said.
"Whoa." I said.
"I know, I thought it would look this good on me, but you know, I'm just good looking so anything works." He said playfully. I giggled.
"Well, you do make anything look nice." I agreed.
"Does that mean you find me good looking?" He asked standing straighter, placing a hand on my waist, to move in front of me, so my lower back was against my bed.
"I only find my boyfriend to be good looking "Best Friend"." I mocked, as I tilt my head back to look up at him.
"Maybe you should dump him and be with me." He said with a smirk.
"Oh really? What's so special about you?" I asked curiously.
"I'm funny, I can dance really well, I can Rap...I can make you an extremely exceptional bowl of cereal." He added, which made me laugh. I put my arms around his neck. I looked into his eyes and smiled happily. He was actually here. I could feel him, I could smell him and I could kiss him. So, I did. I pulled his head down and pressed my lips into his. He instantly kissed me back, pulling me close to him.
"I missed you so much." He said when he pulled back looking deeply into my eyes with so much affection.
"I'm sure you did," I decided to tease him. "I bet you had others tending to you." I finished. He frowned slightly, holding me closer.
"Why would I cheat on you, when I have something good right here?" He asked. He rested his forehead on mine. I blushed and looked away. "I really like you Audrey. I don't want to do anything to mess us up." He said softly. I looked back at him. Suddenly, his lips were back on mine.
Kissing him was like eating my favorite ice-cream for dinner. It was like I had gotten 100% on all of my tests. I was suddenly addicted. I didn't want to stop, no matter what. He was so gentle, he was so intense, he was everything and more. I could only feel him, I could only smell him. I couldn't even hear the music in the background anymore. All of my senses were focused on him.
Suddenly, he pulled back and lifted me to sit on my bed. I opened my eyes in a daze, confused. He smiled at me.
"Now we're at an even height shorty." He teased me. I giggled and grabbed his chin gently to pull him closer.
"Shut up." I said, and was about to go back to my drug, when suddenly my alarm went off. We both jump at the unexpected noise. "Nooo." I whined, then rested my forehead on his chest. He chuckled.
"Time to get our education." He pulled back slightly. I pouted and reached to grab his shirt pulling him back to me.
"I'm in Sex-ed now." I argued, making him laugh loudly.
"Come on, you're paying for an education. Let's go." He pulled me off the bed. I sighed heavily, then walked over to my mirror that was hanging on my door. He followed me like a shadow. I looked at him and covered my mouth to hide my laugh. His lips were glossy from my gloss. I turned to wipe his lips. He smiled and kissed my hand as I did so. Then I run my fingers in his, now, messy hair.
"I like this color. When I met you looked more like a bad boy, now you're my good boy." I moved my hand to cup his cheek. He leaned his face into my palm. I smiled at him, then turned to look at myself again. I fixed my shirt and added more lip gloss to my lips. I was happy I didn't see any hickeys on my neck. I didn't need Haruhi up my ass after being left alone with Fred.
"You're so gorgeous," Fred said suddenly. I looked at him through the mirror. He walked up behind me and hugged me, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Just stunning." He kissed my cheek. I smiled softly. Suddenly, he licked my cheek and opened the door to run out. I squealed and glared after him.
"Frederick!" I yelled and chased after him.
______
Fred
I looked around the college campus taking in the atmosphere. The buildings were a beautiful dark burgundy color, built like castles from medieval times. The grass was so green, it looked as if someone had just colored it with a green crayon. I held the door open for my girl as we approach a building. It said "Main Hall" so I guess it had a lot of main classes in it.
"So, this is a college campus." I said as I looked around, looking at different flyers for different events. I, for some reason, expected the school to smell weird. I was pleasantly surprised that it smelt of flowers. They clearly kept the building clean.
"Yup, this is what us untalented people do until we're 21. Unlike some who are just a natural talent before they are 21." She nudged me. I chuckled, but I didn't like her putting herself down.
"I'm 20 and happen to be skilled in the musical arts. You're 18 and are very smart."
"You just rhymed by accident." She brushed it off. I shake my head.
"Audrey, you're so brilliant, it's insane. Honestly, you have something I don't. What's 2+2 again?" I asked as I put my arm around her shoulder. She rolled her eyes at me but looked up at me.
"Four." She said simply and tapped my nose. I grinned.
"See, I knew you were a smarty pants." I stopped our walk and kissed her forehead. "Don't give up. You'll do great things. You'll probably be better than me." She looked me in the eyes, then smiled.
"I'll try." She replied. I smiled, satisfied with her answer, then started to walk again, to lead us along. She giggled suddenly. "Do you even know where you're going?" She asked, making me pause. I looked back at her.
"Nah." I breathed. She laughed and pulled me along to a room down the hall. The room was surprisingly pretty small. "How many students are in this class?" I asked as we got to a table in the second row. There were about 6 rows of 4 tables in each one.
"About 50. It's not a big class like other universities." She replied, as two other students walked it. "I like to get here early. Sometimes this guy takes my seat in this class. It's like, I sit in the same place every class, why sit in my seat?" She sat. I sit next to her.
"Am I sitting in anyone's seat?"
"Just the guy, but he'll be fine. Nobody else sits in this row." She replied getting her notebook and writing utensils out. I look at them as she did so. "I ordered my pens from Japan." She said when she noticed I was looking at them.
"Really?" I asked as I picked the blue one up. Sure, enough there was Japanese writing stating that it was made in Japan and was one of the finest pens someone could have.
"Can you read it?" She asked with a shocked expression.
"Yeah, I speak like," I look up to think, counting on my fingers. English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish "Five languages." I looked at her, as I rested my elbows on the table. Her eyebrows rose, she appeared shocked. I looked at her lips, then back at her eyes. She was just so pretty to me.
"Five languages?"
"Five and a half really, I'm trying to learn French." I leaned back in my chair as I spoke.
"That's amazing." She said.
"I mean, I was always bilingual. I mean, my mom is Chinese, she made sure I knew how to speak it. Even now, she'll only talk to me in Chinese. My dad is Chinese American, he'll only talk to me in English." I played with my fingers as I thought of my childhood.
"Wow, that must have been confusing." She voiced.
"On occasion, but I eventually got the hang of it." I smiled at her, she smiled back. "I think it was probably easier to learn languages as a toddler because I had to learn how to communicate. But I don't really remember. I just have been speaking two languages my whole life. Then when I became an idol, and we blew up, I wanted to be able to talk to my fans. To be able to hold a conversation and let them know that I appreciate them so much. Obviously, I learned Korean, but I started learning Japanese, then Spanish. I mean, I can speak those languages, but sometimes it's hard for me to pick up on slang words. I'm still learning, even in Korean." I admitted.
"Really?" She, once again, looked surprised.
"Yeah, did you think I was an expert in Korean?" I chuckled.
"Well yeah, you speak it so well."
"Thank you, but no, sometimes Gun or the twins will say something, then Kwan and I will just stand there awkwardly." I half smiled.
"Well since you speak so many languages, what language do you think in?" She asked, leaning on her elbow, looking interested in me. I smiled to myself, happy that she was genuinely curious about me.
"I think in English for the most part. But sometimes English doesn't have enough words, so I'll switch. It depends on the situation." I leaned against the table again, then look around, noticing the classroom a lot fuller. People were looking at me, as they listened to our conversation. I looked away, as I felt my face heat up from embarrassment. "Can I have a piece of paper?" I asked my girl. She nodded and ripped a paper out of her notebook. I took the pen she gave me and wrote with it. It was surprisingly smooth. "Hey, can I have this?" I asked, turning to look at her. Her eyebrows came together.
"Frederick." She said. I pout at her, and hug the pen to my chest as if it was my best friend.
"Please, please, please?" I asked cutely. She rolled her eyes, as a blush came upon her plump cheeks.
"Fine." She grumbled.
"Yay! Thank you." I started doodling on the paper as a man walked in with a Starbucks cup in one hand, and a briefcase in the other. He was probably around forty and only had hair around the side of his head. He smiled at everyone as he walked in. When he looked at me, one of his eyebrows rose.
"New guy? Who are you?" He asked as he finished his walk to the computer that sat on the podium in front of us.
"Uh, Dr. Ride, this is my friend Fred. Is it ok if he stays in class?" Audrey asked curiously.
"I mean he's already sitting there, I'd hate to make him get up," Dr. Ride teased with a chuckle. Audrey smiled softly, leaning back in her chair. Dr. Rides' eyes focused on me, he crossed his arms as if he were going to interrogate me. "So, you go here?" He asked.
"No sir, I'm here for the culture festival." I replied.
"Oh? What are you going to do?"
"I'm in a K-pop group. I uh, rap." I said scratching my head. Normally I never have to explain what I do. Saying it out loud sounded silly to me. I hear a gasp from the back corner.
"Pockens, you know about this?" Dr. Rides attention was on this Pockens girl. The class, I included, looked back at her. She blushed looking at me to Dr. Ride.
"I knew he looked familiar. I listen to his music." She squeaked. I looked at her and half waved.
"Whoa, so you're like, famous?" Dr. Ride looked at me impressed.
"I mean, I guess." I shrugged.
"Don't be modest. It's a yes or no." Dr. Ride chuckled. The class snickered.
"Uh, yes, I'm famous." I blushed slightly.
"Let's see how famous. What's your last name?" He turned on the projector.
"Lee." I said and watched him sign in to the computer. I looked at Audri and she shrugged with a half-smile.
"We're all going to witness this today. Fred Lee." He typed into google. Then my face popped up. It was when I had my blonde hair. The picture was from an interview I was doing. There were a couple of pictures next to it, then under was my Instagram and where I could be found. Like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora. Other sites as well.
"Wow." Dr. Ride said looking. He clicks on one of my solo songs. Then there I was, on the projector. The deep base of my song came though, as I looked at the camera like a total badass. I could feel my face turn bright red. "Well, this is unexpecting. I'm impressed." The professor paused the song and looked at me.
"Thank you." I chuckled slightly embarrassed.
"Why are you blushing?"
"Uh, normally I'm not around when people watch my stuff."
"Well, you're not bad kid. So, you're going to be performing at the festival?"
"Yes sir." I replied with a smile.
"Do you get a lot of chicks?" Someone asked suddenly. I half smiled.
"I have a lot of female fans, but I don't entertain them like that." I replied. The dude shook his head as if he was disappointed in me. "Plus, I'm not allowed to date anyways." I shrug.
"Really?" A girl asked.
"Yeah, they don't want us distracted, or for fans to after them...but I do have a crush on someone. I just keep it on the down low." I say.
"Is it Jisoo from Blackpink?" The girl who knew me asked.
"No, but she's a nice women." I replied.
"Ok, ok, let's relax and learn about the American Slave Trade shall we." Dr. Ride said. "We can ask famous guy questions when we finish."
______
Audri
After my class, the rest of L.Y.F.E came to campus, and they went to the ballroom to get ready for their performance. The girls and I were doing the same thing. We all, even Rachel, had flat ironed our hair and wore black ripped jeans. We also wore white shirts that said "K-POP CLUB" on it, which had a multi-chrome diamond around it. The girls were all in Rachel and my bathroom, as we fixed ourselves, looking in the mirror.
"Want to practice the dance one more time? I don't want to embarrass ourselves in front of L.Y.F.E." Haruhi said.
"Yeah, that's actually a good idea." Ashley agreed for once. I smiled at them.
"Aww, getting along, are we?" I asked.
"Oh shush, today is an important day. I invited Jacob too. I want to look sexy, cool and well, like I know what I'm doing." Ashley leaned on the counter to apply her lipstick.
"Ew, the 25-year-old?" Rachel asked while she made face.
"Age is nothing but a number girl...well, except if you're under 18, then that's pretty gross." Ashely replied. I laugh at her, then stand back and take a couple of Snapchats of us getting ready.
"Are we ready ladies?" I asked as I recorded.
"Hell yeah!" Rachel cheered, and Haruhi turned to look at me. She posed and blew a kiss. Ashely turned.
"I was born ready girl." She points at my phone.
Once we finished getting ready, we walked to the ballroom. A couple of people were already there, looking at different tables. The K-Pop table was sadly, off in a corner. Rayne and Duri were already there setting up food and other things.
"Hi guys." I greeted as we approached the table.
"Oh, thank God you guys are here! I totally forgot the soda. I gotta go to my room to get them." Duri said with a worried expression. Rachel grabbed her shoulders.
"Duri, relax hun. It's all ok. Didn't you just get coke?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah, but it had a cute picture of BTS on it." She pouted slightly.
"It's ok. We don't need it. If people get thirsty, they can just drink water." Rachel said with a shrug. Duri nodded, and went behind the table again, holding her spoon to serve rice. She looked like a frightened duckling. I just wanted to hug her and tell her it was going to be ok.
"Where is Kyle?" I suddenly said, as I took notice of the male not being around. He was supposed to help manage the table.
"He had to use the bathroom." Rayne said. I made an "oh" face as my phone vibrated. I looked, it was, of course, Fred.
"They are here. I'm going to go get them." I looked at Rachel. She nodded with a smile as I walked off, however, I stopped when I saw them walk in. "Fred!" I called. He looked over and smiled.
"Oh my god. Oh my god." Duri said. Her eyes were glued to the idols as they walked over. They all wore regular jeans; however, their shirts were all different. The twins both wore a regular white shirt, with gold chains. Kwan wore a red shirt, Gun wore a white long sleeve while Fred wore a red long-sleeved shirt. They all had their makeup on. I giggled looking at Fred.
"I like the eyeliner friend." I said hugging him. He hugged me back.
"Well I do look nice so." He shrugged when he pulled away. I grinned at him with a laugh. I greeted the other members, then Rachel introduced our club members. Rayne and Duri looked utterly speechless. It was hilarious.
"You look pretty." Gun suddenly said, with a slight pause between his words as the thought of what to say. He smiled at me. I grinned back.
"Thank you, Gun." I gave him a half hug. Then I looked at him. He was about the same height as me. He had cherry red hair, which surprisingly looked good on him.
"Whoa, no one is allowed to touch my friend, but me." Fred said as he pulled me to him. I laughed with Gun.
"So dramatic." I teased him as he half smiled at me. I could tell he just wanted some attention, so I stood next to him. I watched as more and more people started piling in. A couple of people came to our table for the food, but nobody tried to take any of our fliers.
"Are you sure, this club would be a great place to just relax and have some fun." I told a girl as I held a flier out to her.
"I'll pass, but your makeup is great." She said before walking off. I sighed heavily and turned to place my fliers on the table. "This is so hard." I whined.
"Boys, why don't you try to help the girls out." Un said not happy that we weren't getting much attention. "Put on the charm." He finished.
"Eh, it's ok Mr. Un, we have to perform in 10 minutes. We should just head to the stage." Haruhi said as she put her fliers down. Un nodded as he crossed his arms. He then looked at the men and started to speak to them in Korean. I watched as Fred nodded in response. I sighed with a dreamy look. He was just so cool to me.
"Girls, we have to perform well. People aren't really giving two shits about us." Ashley said. "We can't flop on this one. First impressions are everything, and we have to rock the crowd's world, got it." She said seriously as she flipped her blonde hair. "So, remember facial expressions, remember to move with power, but grace." She added. "If you mess up...eh, that's ok. It's our first time performing. But try not to ok. We got this." She finished. I blinked in surprise; she had it in her to be a leader.
"What she said." Rachel grinned at us. Ashely giggled.
"Let's head to the stage." I spoke up.
"Yeah. Guys, we're going to the stage now. Just keep doing what you're doing." Rachel looked at our club members who were watching the table.
"Ready?" Fred's voice came to me. I jumped, turning to look at the male standing next to me.
"I mean, I guess." I said with a blush. We all started to walk to the stage that was in the middle of the ballroom. It was kinda a 360-style stage. "Are you nervous about performing?" I asked him. He pulled his lips in as he smiled.
"Nah... I don't really get nervous anymore, I get more excited now," He said truthfully. "But when I first started, I did. I was always wondering the "what if's" but then I realized that the "What if's" only hold me back. Now I get on stage and have fun while giving it my all." He finished as we arrived at the stage. The coordinator looked at us.
"K-pop Club?" He asked. Rachel started to speak to him and I looked at Fred.
"I'm going to try that.". Fred hugged me, then rubbed my shoulders.
"You got this babe." He said softly to me. I smiled up at him, feeling a tingle from the pet name.
"Ok everyone, now we have a new club that is going to be performing for you today. The K-Pop Club!" The DJ said after the coordinator told her. "Then after them, we'll have a performance from an actual South Korean boy band! Let's get them pumped!" The DJ started clapping her hand. Fred gave me a thumbs up as Rachel, Haruhi, Ashely and I walked on stage. I looked out at the crowded room and instantly want to run off stage. I look over at L.Y.F.E nervously. Haruhi looked as frightened as me.
"You guys got it!" Kwan yelled.
"Let's go girls! "The Twins cheered for us. Fred clapped loudly "whooping". I shake my hands and swallow my nerves, standing in front of Rachel, to get into position. The song "Boombyah" started to play, my body started to move on its own. I guess I've practiced the song so much that I didn't even need to think about it. I gave sass when I needed too, I smiled when needed too, everything when great until I tripped. The crowd gasped as I fell to my hands and knees. I feel my body grow hot from embarrassment. Tears came to my eyes and I felt like hiding.
"Get up! Get up! Keep going! You're doing great!" Fred yelled. I looked over and the whole group looked at me with concern but was telling me to rise. Especially Un, he was looking at me as if he was my manager, instead of L.Y.F. E's. I swallowed my tears and got up to finish off the dance.
When we finished, the crowd cheered for us. I was happy that they seemed to like us, but I was disappointed that I tripped. We walked off stage and I covered my face.
"Stop, you did great." Kwan grabbed my shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm glad you got up." Ashely rubbed my back.
"Next we have L.Y.F.E all the way from Korea!" The DJ said. I looked up as Fred kissed my forehead.
"It's ok. We all mess up." He said to me gently. I nodded and sniffled.
"Don't trip." I said to him as he smirked walking up the stage with his group. They all had microphones in their hands.
"What's up Simon Duke! How are y'all doing today?" Kwan said into the mic. The crowd screamed.
"That's good, we're L.Y.F.E, we decided to come when a certain K-pop group told us you guys were doing a Culture festival." Fred spoke. The audience cheered again, clapping.
"We hope you guys enjoy these two songs we're going to perform for you. If you do, head over to the K-pop table over there," Fred pointed to our table, which made Rayne wave. "To take pictures with us, talk to us, and buy merch if you really like us." Fred trailed off towards the end, looking away coyly. They laughed at him slightly.
"Ok, let's get this started." Kwan smiled, then they all got into position. Gun started to vocalize as the song started, giving me goosebumps.
They perform beautifully. Dancing with confidence, singing with soul, and rapping with ease. Fred even got everyone to bounce their hands in the air when he started his rap. Everyone seemed impressed with their performance. By the end of the second song, everyone was cheering loudly.
"Thank you for letting us perform for you guys. We appreciate it." Kwan grinned as he panted.
"Thank you!" Young said, smiling.
"Thank you, guys, again, and remember: Love Yourself For Eternity! Gamsahamnida!"